Staten Island, NY, May 17th, 2005 - Matrix Games (www.matrixgames.com) and Strategic Studies Group (SSG) (www.ssg.com.au) are very pleased to announce that the next game in the Decisive Battles Series, Battles in Italy, has gone gold and is anticipated to be available to the public in late May via the Matrix Games Online Store. Battles in Italy brings the award-winning series to three pivotal battles: Sicily (Operation Husky), Salerno (Operation Avalanche), and the unfortunate Operation Shingle, the invasion at Anzio.

David Heath, Director of Operations at Matrix Games said, "It is a privilege for Matrix Games to bring another installment of the Decisive Battles Series to gamers around the world. World War II is brought to life by SSG's hard work and dedication to detail. We all look forward to this upcoming release and many more in the future."

Battles in Italy is an operational wargame that takes you to three of the toughest fought battles in the Mediterranean; including the invasions of Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio. All three campaigns incorporate many new improvements and enhancements to the Decisive Battles series. Some of these updates include rules for surrender, political units, cooperation between countries, and improved amphibious invasions!

Gregor Whiley, President of Strategic Studies Group, had this to say, "We're pleased to bring the Decisive Battles series to a rarely covered theater. Many of the battles in Italy were as tough as anything in Normandy, the Ardennes or the Eastern Front. Solo players will be glad to hear that the AI, often noted as one of the best in wargaming, is even better than before. This along with the interface improvements and ongoing improvements to the engine makes Battles in Italy the best yet for the Decisive Battles Series!"

The Decisive Battles Series has won a number of awards, including War Game of the Year from both Computer Gaming World and Gamespy, Editor's Choice from PC Gamer, and The Wargamer's Award for Excellence. The series features an operational setting with an easy to use interface. The game is approachable by beginners and masters with AI options to give either type a run for their money and an extended tutorial to help get started

Battles In Italy is expected to be available from the Matrix Games Online Store in late May both as a digital download and a boxed game.

ABOUT MATRIX GAMES
Matrix Games produces, markets and publishes historical wargames as well as other computer gaming products. Since 2000, Matrix Games has published several award-winning games, including Highway to the Reich, Starships Unlimited, Uncommon Valor and Korsun Pocket. Matrix Games is based in Staten Island, New York. For more information, visit the Matrix Games website at www.matrixgames.com.

ABOUT STRATEGIC STUDIES GROUP
Strategic Studies Group (SSG) was founded in Australia during the 1980s by Roger Keating and Ian Trout with the release of their first game, Reach for the Stars. Over the last twenty years and over fifty computer games, SSG has grown from a fledgling company to one of the driving forces in Computer Strategy in the world today. SSG's Decisive Battles series has won as much acclaim as any modern wargame. Their work continues with an upcoming Decisive Battles title to follow Battles In Normandy. For more information, visit the SSG website at www.ssg.com.au.